Senate Resolution No. 739

BY: Senator MAYER

HONORING American Women of African Heritage, Inc.
upon the occasion of its designation for special
recognition at the 3rd Annual Women's History Month
Celebration on March 23, 2019

WHEREAS, Women's History Month, celebrated each year in March, is a
time to reflect upon and pay tribute to the women of our State and
Nation for their contributions to their communities and their
professions; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
those women's organizations which have made significant contributions to
the community and to the State of New York, and to publicly acknowledge
their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among us all; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
American Women of African Heritage, Inc. upon the occasion of its
designation for special recognition at the 3rd Annual Women's History
Month Celebration on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at The Rye Arts Center,
Rye, New York; and

WHEREAS, Incorporated in 2001, American Women of African Heritage,
Inc. (AWAH) believes all people deserve a place to congregate with
peers to nourish the soul, build character, teach new skills, celebrate
culture, and remember and honor the achievements of pioneering women in
the community; and

WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its President, Francine T.
Shorts, American Women of African Heritage, Inc. empowers women and
girls of African ancestry, enriching their lives and the lives of others
within the African American community of Westchester County; and

WHEREAS, Through mentoring programs, advocacy work and outreach
projects, American Women of African Heritage, Inc. seeks to: nurture and
enrich the lives of women and girls; encourage social, cultural and
educational exchange within the community; facilitate intergenerational
dialogue; promote unity among women, celebrate and preserve the legacy
of pioneering women; strengthen the bond of cooperation within the
community; and support positive change through civic involvement; and

WHEREAS, In partnership with Westchester Community College, American
Women of African Heritage, Inc. provides a monetary scholarship, the
Second Chance Award, to a woman who is returning to college after a
hiatus, to continue her education, so as to improve her life and the
lives of her family; and

WHEREAS, Also in collaboration with Westchester Community College is
its Spirit of Women Archives program which recognizes, celebrates and
commemorates the accomplishments of women of African ancestry in
Westchester County whose records of achievement and service will be
archived at the College; and

WHEREAS, American Women of African Heritage's mentoring program
provides opportunities, information and instruction to preteen and
teenagers on the use of P.O.I.S.E.: Preparation for interviews; Opting
in/out with grace; Importance of taking cues/Introduction; Situational
socialization; and Etiquette for dining; and

WHEREAS, The success of American Women of African Heritage, Inc. is
in direct correlation to the efforts of its dedicated members, whose
involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive
commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of
excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the
community it serves; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those
organizations and individuals who enhance the well-being and vitality of
their community and have shown a long and sustained commitment to
excellence certainly have earned our recognition and applause; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor American Women of African Heritage, Inc. upon the occasion of its
designation for special recognition at the 3rd Annual Women's History
Month Celebration on March 23, 2019; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Francine T. Shorts, President, American Women of African
Heritage, Inc.